By Jon Dougherty. Media: Explain America.
OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
Fresh off an extremely tight reelection race, Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) is hitting the ground running. The sophomore lawmaker has introduced new legislation that would bar the federal government from utilizing taxpayer dollars to finance abortions for young illegal immigrant mothers.
āIf passed, the No Taxpayer Funds for Illegal Alien Abortions Act would bar Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Health and Human Services (HHS) employees or contractors from transporting illegal immigrants across state lines to get abortions, according to the bill. The Biden administration in November instructed federal officials caring for pregnant unaccompanied illegal immigrant girls to transport them to areas of the country where abortion is legal,ā the Daily Caller reports:
In a statement to the outlet, Boebert said: āThe Biden administration is unlawfully using taxpayer money to transport pregnant, illegal alien children across state lines for late-term abortions. My colleagues and I have introduced bicameral legislation to end these illegal and horrific policies once and for all.ā
The Daily Caller noted further that Congress has added the Hyde Amendment in appropriations bills funding the government since 1976 in order to prevent taxpayer funds from being used to pay for abortions unless āthe life of the mother would be endangered if the fetus were carried to term or where the pregnancy is the result of an act of rape or incest.ā
Boebertās legislation also includes restrictions on Immigration and Customs Enforcement as well as the Department of Health and Human Services from spending taxpayer money to fund abortions for illegal migrants, and with only limited exceptions, including if the life of the mother is in danger or the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest.
āTaxpayer money should never fund abortions, whether for citizens or non-citizens. Our priority at the southern border should be security and peace, not death and destruction,ā Boebert added in her statement.
In addition, the bill would prevent taxpayer dollars from being used to force healthcare providers to perform or assist with abortions.
Earlier this week, a mandatory recount in her Colorado district confirmed that she won her race against Democratic challenger Adam Frisch by a very narrow margin.
āSecretary of State Jena Griswold announced the results Monday evening. Frisch netted a total of four votes in the recount, far from enough to close a 500-plus vote gap with Boebert. An Aspen City Councilman, Frisch had already conceded the race last month after the first tally put him just under the stateās margin for a mandatory recount,ā the Associated Press reported.
An automatic recount has confirmed that Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert has won her reelection bid against Democrat Adam Frisch in Colorado. https://t.co/d3mNHO4BhY
— The Associated Press (@AP) December 13, 2022
Frisch had already conceded to Boebert late last month in the race for Coloradoās third congressional district.
Boebert released a video on Twitter last month after Frisch conceded.
āIām told that there are less than 200 votes outstanding, which makes me so happy to announce we have won this race!ā she said. āWith this victory and with Republicans in control of the House of Representatives, we can focus on the issues that actually matter most, including getting inflation under control, increasing our domestic energy supply, securing the southern border, and being a strong check on the White House.ā
āNow, over the next couple of weeks, this race will have an automatic recount, which will be completed in early December,ā she said. āMy campaign team and our lawyers will definitely make sure everything is conducted properly. Past recounts in Colorado have resulted in far fewer votes being adjusted than anything that could affect the current outcome weāre seeing tonight in this race.ā
āSo come January, you can be certain of two things. I will be sworn in for my second term as your congresswoman, and Republicans can finally turn Pelosiās House back into the Peopleās House,ā the representative said.
āThank you to every volunteer that made calls, knocked doors, and, of course, to each of you that is entrusted me with your vote. I am honored to be your representative. I pray for you and I am so grateful for you. God bless you tonight,ā she said.
We won!
I am so thankful for all of your support and I am so proud to be your Representative! pic.twitter.com/4gnmflotiU
— Lauren Boebert (@laurenboebert) November 18, 2022